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The word "hala" in Sanskrit means a ‘plow’ (also spelt ‘plough’), a basic implement in the old days used to till the soil. In its final position, it resembles a wooden plough which is pulled by one or two oxen or horses in the field. The mention of the name ‘plough’ brings back memories from my own childhood days while I was growing up in the villages of Punjab where this was a common site in the fields.
Halasana is one of the best poses for stretching every part of the spine, especially the upper part of the spine. It is commonly practiced as a concluding variation of the ‘sarvangasana’ (shoulder stand). However, it can be practiced as a stand-alone pose for all the benefits that it provides (see under ‘benefits’ below).
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Following our tradition, we had a potluck breakfast last Sunday to "celebrate" the conclusion of the last 12-day pranayama and meditation intensive. That day also coincided with the second leg of the previous 21-day yoga challenge program. So, several of the participants from that course also joined in. As always, everyone brought some of the most delicious, mouth-watering dishes to the table. If for nothing else, one could attend these intensive sessions just for the taste and variety of the items that are served at these breakfasts!
One of items that we had this time was this exquisitely tasting granola bars. These were made with healthy and nutritious organic ingredients. Here is the recipe:
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I would like to invite you for a Spring yoga retreat in the beautiful rural setting in Mebane, NC. At this retreat you will be able to slow down and experience yourself at a deeper level, nourished and supported by the beauty of natural surroundings. You will be able to deepen your personal yoga practice and develop an understanding of the yoga philosophy in an ashram-like setting under the guidance of Subhash Mittal. Subhash is a long-time yoga practitioner and a dedicated yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga since 1996. Subhash brings the best out of the traditional, ancient yoga teachings and weaves these teachings in the practice of asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation leading to a fulfilling and enriching life experience.
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The Buddha in his Four Noble Truths stated:
- Life is suffering (Dukkha)
- There is a cause for this suffering
- We can put an end to this suffering
- Here is the eight-fold path to follow to end suffering
The Yoga system of Patanjali has a very similar concept of suffering or pain. In modern terminology, ‘stress’ is another name for this suffering. Patanjali uses the term ‘klesha’ to denote afflictions or suffering. He talks about five different kleshas, their cause and the remedy. These keshas are:
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Yes, we are all set for the next 21-day yoga challenge. Are you ready for this exciting and one of the most memorable yoga experiences of your life? Take the challenge and be transformed! Here are the particulars:
- When: Monday, February 28- Sunday, March 20, 2011.
- Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
- Where: Kalasrishti – 3000 Bearcat Way, Suite 112, Morrisville, NC 27513 (off Aviation Parkway – the studio is located on the back side of the last building in the complex)
- Commitment:
- A firm commitment to complete the program without missing a day (except in an emergency).
- At the end of the program, continue the same practice at home for another 21 days to make it a life-long habit
- Cost: $125
You may like to visit the testimonials page on my website to see what some of the previous participants have to say about this program.
Please contact me if you would like to participate.
Get all the details here…
Here is the recipe from Carol Fine for a delicious Lemon-rosemary Crumb Cake. Carol brought this cake during the last 21-day yoga breakfast and everyone loved it. Give it a try and enjoy!
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Yes, the next 12-day Pranayama (level 1/2)/Meditation intensive is scheduled as follows:
- When: Wednesday, February 9 – Sunday, February 20, 2011
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
- Eligibility: Prior pranayama experience helpful, but not required
- Location:
Kalasrishti
3000 Bearcat Way, Suite 112
Morrisville, NC 27513 (off Aviation Parkway)
- Commitment: For the program to be successful I strongly urge you to make a firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day (except in an emergency)
- Fee: $75
In this intensive, in addition to some of the basic breathing techniques that we cover in the 10-day level 1 program, I will also cover more advanced techniques involving breath retention and the bandhas (energy locks).
If you would like to participate or get more information, please contact me.
Read full details here…
Yesterday was the first day of the 8-week kids yoga session. And, I must say, it was a unique experience, and a lot of fun!
I used to teach a kids yoga class about 3 years ago. However, the attendance in the class was very erratic and unpredictable. There were times when no one would show up. Part of the problem was that the class was in the afternoon on a weekday. The parents would invariably get held up at work and were unable to bring their child for the yoga class. As a result I just had to cancel the class.
In recent months, some of my yoga students started expressing an interest in a yoga class for their kids. Continue reading »
If you recall, in the Kapalabhati pranayama, the emphasis is only on exhalation which is forced, short and brisk. The inhalation is passive and natural. During exhalation we also force the belly in toward the spine in a quick movement. In contrast, in the Bhastrika pranayama, both inhalation and exhalation are forced. Moreover, movement of the belly along with each breath is an optional variation.
‘Bhastrika’ is a Sanskrit word for the bellows – a device for producing a strong current of air that was used to fan fire in the old days. In this pranayama, the lungs are moved with movements that resemble the bellows.
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Up until recently, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was considered to be the best indicator of a person’s intelligence and consequently their success in personal and professional life. In the last few years, however, the concepts of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Quotient (EQ) have become popular topics of discussion and are now being considered a more accurate indicator of a person’s performance at a professional level.
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a form of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate between them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action (Salovey & Mayer, 1990, p 5). Goleman identifies five components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill.
Because of the wealth of information available online as well as in many books, I do not plan to spend any time discussing the details of EI/EQ. However, I would like to discuss how yoga can help us get in touch with our own emotions and how to develop a better control over them.
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Video DVD
Yoga with Subhash (asana and pranayama)
- Basic asana sequence (~50 min) ($18)
- Pranayama/Meditation (~35 min) ($12)
- Set of above two ($25)
Video recording of special programs offered in the past
(Links to YouTube videos will be provided)
- 21-day yoga immersion - $40
- 7-day hip opening intensive - $20
- 14-day meditation intensive - $30
- 14-day pranayama intensive - $30
- 7-day hamstring/quad intensive - $20
- 14-day Level 2 yoga intensive - $35
Payment options:
- cash, check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com) or Venmo (use 9199269717)
- PayPal (go to bottom of page) (add $5 to the fee listed above)
Please contact me if you would like to buy.
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